Are Workplace Whistleblowers Protected?

A whistleblower is protected from victimization by the public and from losing their job. As long as you are recognized as a worker, then you are protected from victimization. There are two types of disclosures, qualifying disclosure and protected disclosure. When you reveal information of the right type, you are known as ‘qualifying disclosure.’ A protected disclosure is when you reveal information to the right person in the right way.

Protected disclosure

Protected disclosure means you revealed the information to the right person in the right way and are protected by the law. When you disclose information let’s say to your employer in good faith, then you are protected law. This also applies when you complain to the person in charge or concern in your department. For protected disclosures, you must be able to substantiate the information and disclose to the right person reasonably.

Qualifying disclosure

If a disclosure comes close to personal interest rather than public interest, then it will not be protected. A qualifying disclosure is made when you believe there is malpractice or it’s against public interest happening. Malpractice law covers criminal offenses, miscarriage of justice, damage to the environment, and a threat to people health and safety. If there is a deliberate attempt to cover this up, then the law protects you as a whistleblower. However due to the different rules accompanied by disclosure if not sure get professional advice.

Workplace whistleblowing

When it comes to workplace whistleblowing going through the right channels protects you further than through the public. If you believe that there is a fault in the way the safety and health of workers are being handled, then the management has failed. Exceptional failure in your workplace will only gain you protection if you believe the information is true, you are not acting for personal gain, and you are acting reasonably taking account of the circumstances.

Employees are covered by whistleblowing protections this means you cannot be sacked for revealing malpractice at work. In such cases, you can claim for unfair dismissal and your employer will have to compensate you for damages. In cases, where your contract has been terminated you can take it up to an industrial tribunal and claim that you have suffered from detrimental treatment. As an employee, you are protected from victimization which includes been denied opportunities and promotion, or demotion.

If you have the evidence to prove malpractice is evident in the workplace, follow the right channels to reveal your claims. In some cases, if you don’t understand the law implication, it recommended to consult with a New Jersey whistleblower defense lawyer to help clear your doubts. Consulting with an expert places you in a better place in case you need to defend your claims in court or out of court settlements. Document all the evidence to create a strong case and at times you will find witnesses within the workplace which can be a plus in such situations.

A workplace should adhere to the safety of its workers in all ways whether it’s a healthy work environment or in terms of protecting their income if this is not the case then they are violating employee work conditions.